John Scott for The Players’ Tribune:

I told the fans, “Listen. I don’t deserve this. Vote for my teammates.” And I was telling the truth.

But while I don’t deserve to be an All-Star, I also don’t think I deserve to be treated like I’ve been by the league throughout this saga. I’m an NHL player — and, whatever my set of skills may be, that I’m an NHL player is no accident. I genuinely believe that when I’m on the ice, or even just the bench, I make my teammates feel safe to do what they do best.

I know people who said they wouldn’t watch the NHL All-Star Game if Scott wasn’t involved. I personally think John Scott will bring more fans to the rink and to television sets than what Alexander Ovechkin would have brought.